Learning to Write

By second grade I learned to write well enough to make short sentences. My teacher wrote that they were “Very good”. So, I wrote more and I showed them to her. She gave me another sheet of paper which encouraged me. My third grade teacher was less impressed. I stopped showing her what I wrote. That gave her more time to focus on what was bothering her.

I am older now than either of those teachers were and I realize that I’ve been like both of them at different times of my life, sometimes unreasonably patient and other times unforgivably impatient. Looking back. I forgive the impatience in my third grade teacher and hope I can forgive it in myself as well. I understand the many reasons for impatience that torment adults. I hope her life was happy because today she looks more like my daughter than a teacher.

Given all the reasons for impatience, it amazes me that any of us are blessed enough to enjoy any patience. Nonetheless there it is again as a commonplace miracle.

MOTHER SAVES THE WORK
FLOWERS YEARN TO BLOOM AGAIN
LATER OLD LEAVES FADE

Awesome story poem, Frank! I’m glad you got the encouragement when it mattered, and the wisdom to be forgiving to an impatient teacher as well. Without both, we might not be reading your work… or seeing your artwork!

Patience, young grasshopper! In the 1970s TV show called “Kung Fu”, the master quickly corrects his pupil Caine, illustrating that despite his blindness, his awareness of the world is much higher than Caine’s.

Amazing that you still have your early literary and artistic efforts! I loved the description of the third grade teacher having time to concentrate on what was bothering her! Your subtle humor always entertains me!

Oh Frank, I love this! The photos are so heart warming, and fitting for what you share. Brings me right back to being a kid too. One thing that stands out for me in what you write is the compassion and empathy for the impatient teacher. That opens such room for forgiveness. Thank you.

Thank you, Debbie! I thought that third grade teacher was scary until I watched my daughters grow up and I could see how young she really was with her own fears and problems. It just takes a different perspective.